text:
You must be over 18 years old to enter this site. If you are under 18 or do not wish to view adult content, you must exit now. Adults Only.
This website contains adult oriented material that describes acts involving BDSM (Bondage & Dominantion, Dominance & Submission and Sado-Masochism. It is your responsibility to find out the age requirement and legality of this site as it applies to you in your local community, state and/or country. If the content of this site offends you; if you are underage; if this type of material is banned in your area; or if it is illegal for you to view this material for any other reason you should leave now.
By clicking the "enter" link below, you certify that the following statements are true:
Please read the disclaimer and accept it or leave with the buttons below.


text:
Reliance Life Insurance hires 200 women insurance advisors
Reliance Life Insurance Company (RLIC) today said it has hired around 200 women insurance advisors for its distribution channel and plans to scale up the recruitment in the next few months. This was announced by the company while launching its 'Face-to-Face' distribution channel is aimed at servicing customers whose agents have become inactive.
"Reliance Life Insurance has hired around 200 women employee advisors in seven cities during the pilot phase, and plans to scale up across the country in the next few months," the company said in a statement.
RLIC, part of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group's financial services arm Reliance Capital, said 'Face-to-Face' distribution channel would service its orphan customers and provide post-sales service to policyholders.
Life insurance policies get 'orphaned' when the distributor discontinues his agency or his services are terminated by the insurer.
In such cases, the responsibility of servicing these policies is transferred to an active agent, who stands to earn commission on the renewal premiums.
The company said the new distribution channel would operate with Life Planning Officers (LPOs) who would primarily be women employees, with housewives being one of the key target segments for recruitment.
It said that women would be trained to service orphan policies, develop a relationship and then cross-sell to existing customers and build their network through references.
The new sales format would focus on Tier I and Tier II cities and leverage the talent pool amongst on housewives in these locations to connect with the customers and support the company's existing distribution channels.
Apart from providing post-sales services, LPOs would also collect information related to current policies for data purification and family information and details of life events to enrich their database and help customers in reviving lapsed policies.
"The main goal of this distribution format is to target existing customers who are currently not connected to any advisor and distributor.
"We hope this sales-cum-service initiative will not only help retain our existing customers but also help us enhance relationship value through cross-sell and up-sell to them," Reliance Life Insurance Executive Director Malay Ghosh President said.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The object is to exchange the blue triangle with the red triangle. The tiles travel along the black channels and may not jump over other tiles. The tiles will automatically move down to the lowest position possible in a column. What makes the puzzle difficult is that a tile will not move below it's initial starting position.
This puzzle was made in Japan by a magic company a few years ago. An important difference is that they used ten tiles for each triangle. This makes solving it a long and arduous process. (about 30,000 moves! yikes!) Using only four tiles makes this a nice puzzle that is frustrating but quite possible to solve in an afternoon or so.


text:
As an orator Harrison was famous for his street corner lectures on a diverse array of topics and around this time was trailblazing his captivating soapbox style. His friend, the great Jamaican historian, J.A. Rogers said "crowds flocked to hear him†and "would stand hours at a time.â€
[Book Review]
Dr. Jeffrey B. Perry's book, "Hubert Harrison: The Voice of Harlem Radicalism," brings to life one of the most important and influential –but forgotten— figures in early 20th Century Black America.
In this first of a two-volume biography; Perry skillfully rescues, from the dark shadows of time, Harrison's rise into one of the most brilliant Black intellectuals of his era. Dr. Perry points out that Harrison was "the first to struggle against both class and racial oppression though his articulate, radical Black working class voice and a bottom-up approach."
This biography traces the first half of Harrison's life from 1883 to 1918. The second part of the biography will focus on the last part of Harrison's life, until his premature death in 1927, at age 44. The second part of this biography entitled: "Hubert Harrison: Race Consciousness and the Struggle for Democracy, 1818-1927," will be published sometime around 2012.
Dr. Perry's book illuminates Harrison's impact on Black social movements like Marcus Garvey's Universal Negro Improvement Association, UNIA, and his pioneering efforts of soapbox speaking, paving the way for latter-day radicals such as Malcolm X. It also looks at his early mass-action blueprint, elements of which were later duplicated in the historic March on Washington, whose architect, A. Philip Randolph, called Harrison "the father of Harlem Radicalism."
Perry outlines Harrison's involvement with many other luminaries including: W.E.B Dubois, Claude McKay, John E. Bruce, W.A. Domingo, Chandler Owen, Arturo Alfonso Schomburg and William Monroe Trotter, to name a few. He also sketches the battle between Harrison and his primary nemesis: Tuskegee's Booker T. Washington who used his influence to get Harrison fired from his New York City postal job.
Harrison's subsequent work with the Socialist Party, where he worked with Elizabeth Gurley Flynn and "Big Bill" Haywood are also addressed.
Hubert Harrison was born, on April 27, 1883 at Estate Concordia, St. Croix, then Danish, and now U.S.—Virgin Islands. The islands were purchased in 1917, by the U.S., for $25 million.
Although, the young Harrison was the offspring of poor working-class parents, he nonetheless "spent his early years in youthful exploration and educational pursuits." He also "grew up with a feeling of oneness with the downtrodden" and "learned important lessons about African customs, interactions and solidarity between immigrant and native working people, and the Crucian people's rich history of direct-action mass struggle."
For example, on July 3, 1848 Crucians rebelled against their slave masters, in a non-violent struggle, led by legendary Black liberator Moses "Budhoe" Gottlieb. The Danes relinquished and abolished slavery that very day. And, in 1878, there was the infamous "Fireburn" uprising spearheaded by three women including rebel leader "Queen" Mary Thomas.
On St. Croix, Harrison went to school with future labor leader David Hamilton Jackson, who continued the struggle of preceding leaders like Moses Gottlieb and "Queen Mary." He also corresponded with the militant journalist of the Emancipator, St. Thomian Rothschild Francis. Harrison, as a student of history, would've known of Denmark Vesey's thwarted 1822 Insurrection, after he was brought from St. Thomas to South Carolina. He was no doubt also aware of another man who had an equally profound effect on Marcus Garvey: Thomian Edward Wilmot Blyden.
Garvey once said of Blyden "you who do not know anything of your ancestry will do well to read the works of Blyden, one of our
historians and chronicles, who have done so much to retrieve the lost prestige of the race." It was this heritage of struggle that Harrison was born into, which laid the foundation for his later radical activism in America.
After the death of his mother in 1900, the teenage Harrison moved from St. Croix to New York City to live with his older sister. It wasn't long after that he was making waves as one of the most erudite students in the city. On April 5, 1903, a major daily in New York City, The World, ran an article entitled "Speaker's Medal to Negro Student: The Board of Education Finds a Genius in a West Indian Pupil." After high school, Harrison showed an interest in going to college. Unfortunately, because of financial constraints he was unable to attend college.
However, Harrison pursued self-education daily, engaging in a wide range of interests. As an autodidact—self-taught—scholar, he was versed in several disciplines including: history, sociology, science, psychology, literature, drama and languages, of which he spoke six to eight. He also explored topics such as religion and race matters. One of his first published articles was on lynching, which was non-existent in his native Virgin Islands.
During this period, St. Mark's and St. Benedict's Churches Lyceums, on West Fifty-Third Street, along with the area YWCA, became important places in the educational and activist-minded development of Harrison.
They were places where his voracious appetite for learning was facilitated. In this fertile environment, he honed his critical thinking, oratorical and writing skills.
Harrison married Irene Louise Horton, in 1909, who was probably an Antiguan. They would have five children together. They divorced primarily because of financial problems, which got worse after he was fired from his postal job.
By the time of his firing, Harrison was already an accomplished orator and author writing frequently in numerous publications. As an orator Harrison was famous for his street corner lectures on a diverse array of topics and around this time was trailblazing his captivating soapbox style. His friend, the great Jamaican historian, J.A. Rogers said "crowds flocked to hear him" and "would stand hours at a time."
Many liked Harrison's captivating style of writing and speaking. However, Harrison had his detractors, mostly, because of his candid and often devastating critiques. Three of these particular critiques, that would cost Harrison his postal job, were against America's most powerful Black leader at the time: Booker T. Washington.
In 1910, Washington, who was touring Europe, was quoted in the London Morning Post as saying that the racial situation in the American South was "far from becoming more difficult or dangerous, becomes more and more reassuring." This statement was made despite the fact that race riots were ongoing and lynching was prevalent.
Harrison responded with several illuminating facts that directly contradicted Washington's claims. Harrison pointed out disparities in areas such as school funding for Blacks and whites, and the continuing imposition of segregated laws. He also highlighted how states like Texas were trying to repeal the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to disenfranchise African-Americans. Harrison stated that although Washington was a "great leader" his leadership was "by grace of white people who elect colored people's leaders for them." Harrison would pay for daring to criticize Washington.
Nearly a year later Washington would get revenge, with the help of Charles W. Anderson, New York City's leading Black Republican. Anderson along with Washington's assistant, Emmett Scott, New York City Postmaster, Edward M. Morgan and Fred R. Moore, publisher of the New York Age, met to discuss punishing Harrison.
Not long after these powerful men met Harrison would be refused a promotion, would have a salary increase reduced and would be eventually fired. After his removal from the post office Harrison found lower paying work as a speaker, writer and organizer for the Socialist Party, and earned extra money as a tutor.
From 1912 to14 Harrison worked full-time for the Socialist Party. But he became dissatisfied with the party because of the larger party's failure to embrace more revolutionary direct action agitations tactics to uplift the lot of the working-class and their failure to adequately address the race question. Harrison had argued that Socialists had to speak out on the race question because Blacks were the "most ruthlessly exploited working class group in America."
In 1914, Harrison would move away from the Socialists after becoming the target of internal attacks for his criticisms of the party.
Harrison then embarked on a more independent path, which would lead to his creation of the Radical Forum, The New Negro Movement, The Liberty League and The Voice newspaper. The Radical Forum held lectures throughout Harlem and New York City on a variety of topics. 1915 saw the birth of his New Negro Movement which was "a race conscious, internationalist, mass-based movement for 'political equality, social justice, civic opportunity and economic power'" geared toward the "Negro common people" and urging defense of self, family and "race" in the face of "lynching and white supremacy."
It was around this time that a then disenchanted Marcus Garvey, who had been planning to return to Jamaica, was taken to a Harrison lecture by Jamaican socialist W.A. Domingo. Garvey was so enthralled with Harrison's oratory that he joined the Liberty League, although he would later leave to continue his work with the UNIA. Garvey would implement many of Harrison's tactics and teachings in his subsequent organizations.
The final chapters of this biography discusses the further financial difficulties Harrison had funding his organizations, as well as other later conflicts he would have with other Black organizations like the NAACP and figures like W.E.B. DuBois. Dr Jeffrey B. Perry's book on Hubert Harrison is an invaluable resource on an important figure in early 20th Century America. Five stars. It's required reading.
Dr. Jeffrey B. Perry, who describes himself as "an independent working class scholar," was formally educated at Princeton, Harvard, Rutgers and Columbia.
For more information on Dr. Jeffrey B. Perry or Hubert Harrison log on to www.jeffreybperry.net
Please feel free to post your comments directly online or submit them to [email protected]
"Speaking Truth To Empower."


text:
New Stuff Coming to the Pet Store!
We've got some new stuff coming to the Pet Store, and we wanted to give everyone a quick sneak peek. Obviously, the Pet Store has been the place where we sell pets and mounts, but we've come up with some new types of cosmetic goodies, including some fun new little toys and Transmogrifiables.
First up: a trio of cosmetic helms for Transmogrification. When Transmog went into the game, people immediately started talking about the possibility of just buying armor looks. So we're going ahead and forging a few helms and seeing how they fit. They don't have any stats, they're just for looks, and you can use them to change the appearance of the helms for any characters of any class or race (they work with all armor types). They're great for spicing up a Transmog set—or replacing a tier head piece you hate the looks of. No need to check that 'Hide Helm' box any longer!
Here are a few images, but keep in mind that these are all special-effecty and animated in a really cool way. You may have even seen these models pop up on Wowhead or MMO-Champion earlier this year.
We're also trying out something else new. A lot of people have liked the kinds of fun, limited-use items you can get from the WoW TCG—so we're taking that idea to the Pet Store. Soon you'll be able to snag two fun new little toys: the Seesaw and Hitching Post!
You can jump on the Seesaw with a party member and relive the childhood glee of trying to slam your friend into the ground . . . or you can have a big ogre named Lunk launch them into the air. Really, though, you'll probably just look super cute gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. D'awwwww.
True story: Worgen are exactly the same weight as Ogres.
The Iron Hitching Post is a little different: It's an item you set down that allows you and up to 24 of your closest raiding cohorts to each jump on your own new unearthly Iron Warhorse mount. You can use it for smaller parties too, and it's also great for Battlegrounds. Imagine the look on your opponents' faces when they see a unified front of ghost horses galloping toward them . . . just to ruin everything and capture Snowfall Graveyard. (STOP IT!)
Hyah ghost-steed! Later I'll feed you some ghost-oats in the ghost-barn.
We don't have specific release dates for any of these items yet, but you can expect to see them show up in the Pet Store in the near future.
Let us know what you think, and what other kinds of fun and cosmetic items you might like to see in the Pet Store in the comments below!


text:
- Home
- Government
- Mayor & City Council
Mayor & City Council
Mayor & City Council Terms
The City of Boca Raton is governed by a five member City Council elected at-large to designated seats on a non-partisan basis. The Mayor and Council Members are elected for three-year terms. Members who have served two consecutive terms are not eligible to be elected to that office for the succeeding term. The Mayor and Council members seats designated A and B are elected in one year, the Council members in the seats designated C and D are elected in the following year. Subsequently, there is a year without a council election. The City Charter was changed by the electorate in 2006 to provide for two three-year terms.
The Mayor presides at all Council meetings and other public functions and is the ceremonial head of the City. The Deputy Mayor presides in the absence of the Mayor.
The Mayor and City Council determine policy legislatively. The City Council also appoints the City Attorney, who provides legal advice and counsel to the Mayor and City Council and to City Staff.
City Manager Responsibilities
A City Manager is appointed by the Council to administer policy and manage the City's departments. As chief administrative officer, the City Manager appoints all city employees and is responsible for the activities of the departments as well as the successful completion of programs approved by the City Council.
Community Redevelopment Agency
The Mayor and City Council also serve as Commissioners of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) . In this capacity they hire an executive director and make decisions that affect the development of the Community Redevelopment area, generally known as Downtown Boca.
The CRA usually meets at 1:30 p.m. on the preceding Monday, immediately followed by the City Council Workshop meeting.
City Council Meetings
City Council meetings are usually held in the City Council Chamber of City Hall at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. All meetings are open to the public, and citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in these meetings. Dates and times should be verified with the City Clerk's Office in advance.
Mon Feb. 26
Mon Feb. 26
Tue Feb. 27
Wed Feb. 28
Wed Feb. 28
Tue Mar. 5


text:
The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows
John H. Myers
The windows on many historic buildings are an important aspect of the architectural character of those buildings. Their design, craftsmanship, or other qualities may make them worthy of preservation. This is self-evident for ornamental windows, but it can be equally true for warehouses or factories where the windows may be the most dominant visual element of an otherwise plain building. Evaluating the significance of these windows and planning for their repair or replacement can be a complex process involving both objective and subjective considerations. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the accompanying guidelines, call for respecting the significance of original materials and features, repairing and retaining them wherever possible, and when necessary, replacing them in kind. This Brief is based on the issues of significance and repair which are implicit in the standards, but the primary emphasis is on the technical issues of planning for the repair of windows including evaluation of their physical condition, techniques of repair, and design considerations when replacement is necessary.
Much of the technical section presents repair techniques as an instructional guide for the do-it-yourselfer. The information will be useful, however, for the architect, contractor, or developer on large-scale projects. It presents a methodology for approaching the evaluation and repair of existing windows, and considerations for replacement, from which the professional can develop alternatives and specify appropriate materials and procedures.
Architectural or Historical Significance
Evaluating the architectural or historical significance of windows is the first step in planning for window treatments, and a general understanding of the function and history of windows is vital to making a proper evaluation. As a part of this evaluation, one must consider four basic window functions: admitting light to the interior spaces, providing fresh air and ventilation to the interior, providing a visual link to the outside world, and enhancing the appearance of a building. No single factor can be disregarded when planning window treatments; for example, attempting to conserve energy by closing up or reducing the size of window openings may result in the use of more energy by increasing electric lighting loads and decreasing passive solar heat gains.
Historically, the first windows in early American houses were casement windows; that is, they were hinged at the side and opened outward. In the beginning of the eighteenth century single- and double-hung windows were introduced. Subsequently many styles of these vertical sliding sash windows have come to be associated with specific building periods or architectural styles, and this is an important consideration in determining the significance of windows, especially on a local or regional basis. Site-specific, regionally oriented architectural comparisons should be made to determine the significance of windows in question. Although such comparisons may focus on specific window types and their details, the ultimate determination of significance should be made within the context of the whole building, wherein the windows are one architectural element.
After all of the factors have been evaluated, windows should be considered significant to a building if they:
- are original,
- reflect the original design intent for the building,
- reflect period or regional styles or building practices,
- reflect changes to the building resulting from major periods or events, or
- are examples of exceptional craftsmanship or design.
Once this evaluation of significance has been completed, it is possible to proceed with planning appropriate treatments, beginning with an investigation of the physical condition of the windows.
Physical Evaluation
The key to successful planning for window treatments is a careful evaluation of existing physical conditions on a unit-by-unit basis. A graphic or photographic system may be devised to record existing conditions and illustrate the scope of any necessary repairs. Another effective tool is a window schedule which lists all of the parts of each window unit. Spaces by each part allow notes on existing conditions and repair instructions. When such a schedule is completed, it indicates the precise tasks to be performed in the repair of each unit and becomes a part of the specifications. In any evaluation, one should note at a minimum:
- window location
- condition of the paint
- condition of the frame and sill
- condition of the sash (rails, stiles and muntins)
- glazing problems
- hardware, and
- the overall condition of the window (excellent, fair, poor, and so forth)
Many factors such as poor design, moisture, vandalism, insect attack, and lack of maintenance can contribute to window deterioration, but moisture is the primary contributing factor in wooden window decay. All window units should be inspected to see if water is entering around the edges of the frame and, if so, the joints or seams should be caulked to eliminate this danger. The glazing putty should be checked for cracked, loose, or missing sections which allow water to saturate the wood, especially at the joints. The back putty on the interior side of the pane should also be inspected, because it creates a seal which prevents condensation from running down into the joinery. The sill should be examined to insure that it slopes downward away from the building and allows water to drain off. In addition, it may be advisable to cut a dripline along the underside of the sill. This almost invisible treatment will insure proper water runoff, particularly if the bottom of the sill is flat. Any conditions, including poor original design, which permit water to come in contact with the wood or to puddle on the sill must be corrected as they contribute to deterioration of the window.
One clue to the location of areas of excessive moisture is the condition of the paint; therefore, each window should be examined for areas of paint failure. Since excessive moisture is detrimental to the paint bond, areas of paint blistering, cracking, flaking, and peeling usually identify points of water penetration, moisture saturation, and potential deterioration. Failure of the paint should not, however, be mistakenly interpreted as a sign that the wood is in poor condition and hence, irreparable. Wood is frequently in sound physical condition beneath unsightly paint. After noting areas of paint failure, the next step is to inspect the condition of the wood, particularly at the points identified during the paint examination.
Each window should be examined for operational soundness beginning with the lower portions of the frame and sash. Exterior rainwater and interior condensation can flow downward along the window, entering and collecting at points where the flow is blocked. The sill, joints between the sill and jamb, corners of the bottom rails and muntin joints are typical points where water collects and deterioration begins. The operation of the window (continuous opening and closing over the years and seasonal temperature changes) weakens the joints, causing movement and slight separation. This process makes the joints more vulnerable to water which is readily absorbed into the endgrain of the wood. If severe deterioration exists in these areas, it will usually be apparent on visual inspection, but other less severely deteriorated areas of the wood may be tested by two traditional methods using a small ice pick.
An ice pick or an awl may be used to test wood for soundness. The technique is simply to jab the pick into a wetted wood surface at an angle and pry up a small section of the wood. Sound wood will separate in long fibrous splinters, but decayed wood will lift up in short irregular pieces due to the breakdown of fiber strength.
Another method of testing for soundness consists of pushing a sharp object into the wood, perpendicular to the surface. If deterioration has begun from the hidden side of a member and the core is badly decayed, the visible surface may appear to be sound wood. Pressure on the probe can force it through an apparently sound skin to penetrate deeply into decayed wood. This technique is especially useful for checking sills where visual access to the underside is restricted.
Following the inspection and analysis of the results, the scope of the necessary repairs will be evident and a plan for the rehabilitation can be formulated. Generally the actions necessary to return a window to "like new" condition will fall into three broad categories:
- routine maintenance procedures,
- structural stabilization, and
- parts replacement.
These categories will be discussed in the following sections and will be referred to respectively as Repair Class I, Repair Class II, and Repair Class III. Each successive repair class represents an increasing level of difficulty, expense, and work time. Note that most of the points mentioned in Repair Class I are routine maintenance items and should be provided in a regular maintenance program for any building. The neglect of these routine items can contribute to many common window problems.
Before undertaking any of the repairs mentioned in the following sections all sources of moisture penetration should be identified and eliminated, and all existing decay fungi destroyed in order to arrest the deterioration process. Many commercially available fungicides and wood preservatives are toxic, so it is extremely important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application, and store all chemical materials away from children and animals. After fungicidal and preservative treatment the windows may be stabilized, retained, and restored with every expectation for a long service life.
Repair Class I: Routine Maintenance
Repairs to wooden windows are usually labor intensive and relatively uncomplicated. On small scale projects this allows the do-it-yourselfer to save money by repairing all or part of the windows. On larger projects it presents the opportunity for time and money which might otherwise be spent on the removal and replacement of existing windows, to be spent on repairs, subsequently saving all or part of the material cost of new window units. Regardless of the actual costs, or who performs the work, the evaluation process described earlier will provide the knowledge from which to specify an appropriate work program, establish the work element priorities, and identify the level of skill needed by the labor force.
The routine maintenance required to upgrade a window to "like new" condition normally includes the following steps:
- some degree of interior and exterior paint removal,
- removal and repair of sash (including reglazing where necessary),
- repairs to the frame,
- weatherstripping and reinstallation of the sash, and
- repainting.
These operations are illustrated for a typical double-hung wooden window, but they may be adapted to other window types and styles as applicable.
Historic windows have usually acquired many layers of paint over time. Removal of excess layers or peeling and flaking paint will facilitate operation of the window and restore the clarity of the original detailing. Some degree of paint removal is also necessary as a first step in the proper surface preparation for subsequent refinishing (if paint color analysis is desired, it should be conducted prior to the onset of the paint removal). There are several safe and effective techniques for removing paint from wood, depending on the amount of paint to be removed.
Paint removal should begin on the interior frames, being careful to remove the paint from the interior stop and the parting bead, particularly along the seam where these stops meet the jamb. This can be accomplished by running a utility knife along the length of the seam, breaking the paint bond. It will then be much easier to remove the stop, the parting bead and the sash. The interior stop may be initially loosened from the sash side to avoid visible scarring of the wood and then gradually pried loose using a pair of putty knives, working up and down the stop in small increments. With the stop removed, the lower or interior sash may be withdrawn. The sash cords should be detached from the sides of the sash and their ends may be pinned with a nail or tied in a knot to prevent them from falling into the weight pocket.
Removal of the upper sash on double-hung units is similar but the parting bead which holds it in place is set into a groove in the center of the stile and is thinner and more delicate than the interior stop. After removing any paint along the seam, the parting bead should be carefully pried out and worked free in the same manner as the interior stop. The upper sash can be removed in the same manner as the lower one and both sash taken to a convenient work area (in order to remove the sash the interior stop and parting bead need only be removed from one side of the window). Window openings can be covered with polyethylene sheets or plywood sheathing while the sash are out for repair.
The sash can be stripped of paint using appropriate techniques, but if any heat treatment is used, the glass should be removed or protected from the sudden temperature change which can cause breakage. An overlay of aluminum foil on gypsum board or asbestos can protect the glass from such rapid temperature change. It is important to protect the glass because it may be historic and often adds character to the window. Deteriorated putty should be removed manually, taking care not to damage the wood along the rabbet. If the glass is to be removed, the glazing points which hold the glass in place can be extracted and the panes numbered and removed for cleaning and reuse in the same openings. With the glass panes out, the remaining putty can be removed and the sash can be sanded, patched, and primed with a preservative primer. Hardened putty in the rabbets may be softened by heating with a soldering iron at the point of removal. Putty remaining on the glass may be softened by soaking the panes in linseed oil, and then removed with less risk of breaking the glass. Before reinstalling the glass, a bead of glazing compound or linseed oil putty should be laid around the rabbet to cushion and seal the glass. Glazing compound should only be used on wood which has been brushed with linseed oil and primed with an oil based primer or paint. The pane is then pressed into place and the glazing points are pushed into the wood around the perimeter of the pane.
The final glazing compound or putty is applied and beveled to complete the seal. The sash can be refinished as desired on the inside and painted on the outside as soon as a "skin" has formed on the putty, usually in 2 or 3 days. Exterior paint should cover the beveled glazing compound or putty and lap over onto the glass slightly to complete a weather-tight seal. After the proper curing times have elapsed for paint and putty, the sash will be ready for reinstallation.
While the sash are out of the frame, the condition of the wood in the jamb and sill can be evaluated. Repair and refinishing of the frame may proceed concurrently with repairs to the sash, taking advantage of the curing times for the paints and putty used on the sash. One of the most common work items is the replacement of the sash cords with new rope cords or with chains. The weight pocket is frequently accessible through a door on the face of the frame near the sill, but if no door exists, the trim on the interior face may be removed for access. Sash weights may be increased for easier window operation by elderly or handicapped persons. Additional repairs to the frame and sash may include consolidation or replacement of deteriorated wood. Techniques for these repairs are discussed in the following sections.
The operations just discussed summarize the efforts necessary to restore a window with minor deterioration to "like new" condition. The techniques can be applied by an unskilled person with minimal training and experience. To demonstrate the practicality of this approach, and photograph it, a Technical Preservation Services staff member repaired a wooden double-hung, two over two window which had been in service over ninety years. The wood was structurally sound but the window had one broken pane, many layers of paint, broken sash cords and inadequate, worn-out weatherstripping. The staff member found that the frame could be stripped of paint and the sash removed quite easily. Paint, putty and glass removal required about one hour for each sash, and the reglazing of both sash was accomplished in about one hour. Weatherstripping of the sash and frame, replacement of the sash cords and reinstallation of the sash, parting bead, and stop required an hour and a half. These times refer only to individual operations; the entire process took several days due to the drying and curing times for putty, primer, and paint, however, work on other window units could have been in progress during these lag times.
Repair Class II: Stabilization
The preceding description of a window repair job focused on a unit which was operationally sound. Many windows will show some additional degree of physical deterioration, especially in the vulnerable areas mentioned earlier, but even badly damaged windows can be repaired using simple processes. Partially decayed wood can be waterproofed, patched, built-up, or consolidated and then painted to achieve a sound condition, good appearance, and greatly extended life. Three techniques for repairing partially decayed or weathered wood are discussed in this section, and all three can be accomplished using products available at most hardware stores.
One established technique for repairing wood which is split, checked or shows signs of rot, is to:
- dry the wood,
- treat decayed areas with a fungicide,
- waterproof with two or three applications of boiled linseed oil (applications every 24 hours),
- fill cracks and holes with putty, and
- after a "skin" forms on the putty, paint the surface.
Care should be taken with the use of fungicide which is toxic. Follow the manufacturers' directions and use only on areas which will be painted. When using any technique of building up or patching a flat surface, the finished surface should be sloped slightly to carry water away from the window and not allow it to puddle. Caulking of the joints between the sill and the jamb will help reduce further water penetration.
When sills or other members exhibit surface weathering they may also be built-up using wood putties or homemade mixtures such as sawdust and resorcinol glue, or whiting and varnish. These mixtures can be built up in successive layers, then sanded, primed, and painted. The same caution about proper slope for flat surfaces applies to this technique.
Wood may also be strengthened and stabilized by consolidation, using semirigid epoxies which saturate the porous decayed wood and then harden. The surface of the consolidated wood can then be filled with a semirigid epoxy patching compound, sanded and painted. Epoxy patching compounds can be used to build up missing sections or decayed ends of members. Profiles can be duplicated using hand molds, which are created by pressing a ball of patching compound over a sound section of the profile which has been rubbed with butcher's wax. This can be a very efficient technique where there are many typical repairs to be done. The process has been widely used and proven in marine applications; and proprietary products are available at hardware and marine supply stores. Although epoxy materials may be comparatively expensive, they hold the promise of being among the most durable and long lasting materials available for wood repair. More information on epoxies can be found in the publication "Epoxies for Wood Repairs in Historic Buildings," cited in the bibliography.
Any of the three techniques discussed can stabilize and restore the appearance of the window unit. There are times, however, when the degree of deterioration is so advanced that stabilization is impractical, and the only way to retain some of the original fabric is to replace damaged parts.
Repair Class III: Splices and Parts Replacement
When parts of the frame or sash are so badly deteriorated that they cannot be stabilized there are methods which permit the retention of some of the existing or original fabric. These methods involve replacing the deteriorated parts with new matching pieces, or splicing new wood into existing members. The techniques require more skill and are more expensive than any of the previously discussed alternatives. It is necessary to remove the sash and/or the affected parts of the frame and have a carpenter or woodworking mill reproduce the damaged or missing parts. Most millwork firms can duplicate parts, such as muntins, bottom rails, or sills, which can then be incorporated into the existing window, but it may be necessary to shop around because there are several factors controlling the practicality of this approach. Some woodworking mills do not like to repair old sash because nails or other foreign objects in the sash can damage expensive knives (which cost far more than their profits on small repair jobs); others do not have cutting knives to duplicate muntin profiles. Some firms prefer to concentrate on larger jobs with more profit potential, and some may not have a craftsman who can duplicate the parts. A little searching should locate a firm which will do the job, and at a reasonable price. If such a firm does not exist locally, there are firms which undertake this kind of repair and ship nationwide. It is possible, however, for the advanced do-it-yourselfer or craftsman with a table saw to duplicate moulding profiles using techniques discussed by Gordie Whittington in "Simplified Methods for Reproducing Wood Mouldings," Bulletin of the Association for Preservation Technology, Vol. III, No. 4, 1971, or illustrated more recently in The Old House, Time-Life Books, Alexandria, Virginia, 1979.
The repairs discussed in this section involve window frames which may be in very deteriorated condition, possibly requiring removal; therefore, caution is in order. The actual construction of wooden window frames and sash is not complicated. Pegged mortise and tenon units can be disassembled easily, if the units are out of the building. The installation or connection of some frames to the surrounding structure, especially masonry walls, can complicate the work immeasurably, and may even require dismantling of the wall. It may be useful, therefore, to take the following approach to frame repair:
- conduct regular maintenance of sound frames to achieve the longest life possible,
- make necessary repairs in place, wherever possible, using stabilization and splicing techniques, and
- if removal is necessary, thoroughly investigate the structural detailing and seek appropriate professional consultation.
Another alternative may be considered if parts replacement is required, and that is sash replacement. If extensive replacement of parts is necessary and the job becomes prohibitively expensive it may be more practical to purchase new sash which can be installed into the existing frames. Such sash are available as exact custom reproductions, reasonable facsimiles (custom windows with similar profiles), and contemporary wooden sash which are similar in appearance. There are companies which still manufacture high quality wooden sash which would duplicate most historic sash. A few calls to local building suppliers may provide a source of appropriate replacement sash, but if not, check with local historical associations, the state historic preservation office, or preservation related magazines and supply catalogs for information.
If a rehabilitation project has a large number of windows such as a commercial building or an industrial complex, there may be less of a problem arriving at a solution. Once the evaluation of the windows is completed and the scope of the work is known, there may be a potential economy of scale. Woodworking mills may be interested in the work from a large project; new sash in volume may be considerably less expensive per unit; crews can be assembled and trained on site to perform all of the window repairs; and a few extensive repairs can be absorbed (without undue burden) into the total budget for a large number of sound windows. While it may be expensive for the average historic home owner to pay seventy dollars or more for a mill to grind a custom knife to duplicate four or five bad muntins, that cost becomes negligible on large commercial projects which may have several hundred windows.
Most windows should not require the extensive repairs discussed in this section. The ones which do are usually in buildings which have been abandoned for long periods or have totally lacked maintenance for years. It is necessary to thoroughly investigate the alternatives for windows which do require extensive repairs to arrive at a solution which retains historic significance and is also economically feasible. Even for projects requiring repairs identified in this section, if the percentage of parts replacement per window is low, or the number of windows requiring repair is small, repair can still be a cost effective solution.
A window which is repaired should be made as energy efficient as possible by the use of appropriate weatherstripping to reduce air infiltration. A wide variety of products are available to assist in this task. Felt may be fastened to the top, bottom, and meeting rails, but may have the disadvantage of absorbing and holding moisture, particularly at the bottom rail. Rolled vinyl strips may also be tacked into place in appropriate locations to reduce infiltration. Metal strips or new plastic spring strips may be used on the rails and, if space permits, in the channels between the sash and jamb. Weatherstripping is a historic treatment, but old weatherstripping (felt) is not likely to perform very satisfactorily. Appropriate contemporary weatherstripping should be considered an integral part of the repair process for windows. The use of sash locks installed on the meeting rail will insure that the sash are kept tightly closed so that the weatherstripping will function more effectively to reduce infiltration. Although such locks will not always be historically accurate, they will usually be viewed as an acceptable contemporary modification in the interest of improved thermal performance.
Many styles of storm windows are available to improve the thermal performance of existing windows. The use of exterior storm windows should be investigated whenever feasible because they are thermally efficient, cost-effective, reversible, and allow the retention of original windows (see "Preservation Briefs: 3"). Storm window frames may be made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, or plastic; however, the use of unfinished aluminum storms should be avoided. The visual impact of storms may be minimized by selecting colors which match existing trim color. Arched top storms are available for windows with special shapes. Although interior storm windows appear to offer an attractive option for achieving double glazing with minimal visual impact, the potential for damaging condensation problems must be addressed. Moisture which becomes trapped between the layers of glazing can condense on the colder, outer prime window, potentially leading to deterioration. The correct approach to using interior storms is to create a seal on the interior storm while allowing some ventilation around the prime window. In actual practice, the creation of such a durable, airtight seal is difficult.
Window Replacement
Although the retention of original or existing windows is always desirable and this Brief is intended to encourage that goal, there is a point when the condition of a window may clearly indicate replacement. The decision process for selecting replacement windows should not begin with a survey of contemporary window products which are available as replacements, but should begin with a look at the windows which are being replaced. Attempt to understand the contribution of the window(s) to the appearance of the facade including:
- the pattern of the openings and their size;
- proportions of the frame and sash;
- configuration of window panes;
- muntin profiles;
- type of wood;
- paint color;
- characteristics of the glass; and
- associated details such as arched tops, hoods, or other decorative elements.
Develop an understanding of how the window reflects the period, style, or regional characteristics of the building, or represents technological development.
Armed with an awareness of the significance of the existing window, begin to search for a replacement which retains as much of the character of the historic window as possible. There are many sources of suitable new windows. Continue looking until an acceptable replacement can be found. Check building supply firms, local woodworking mills, carpenters, preservation oriented magazines, or catalogs or suppliers of old building materials, for product information. Local historical associations and state historic preservation offices may be good sources of information on products which have been used successfully in preservation projects.
Consider energy efficiency as one of the factors for replacements, but do not let it dominate the issue. Energy conservation is no excuse for the wholesale destruction of historic windows which can be made thermally efficient by historically and aesthetically acceptable means. In fact, a historic wooden window with a high quality storm window added should thermally outperform a new double-glazed metal window which does not have thermal breaks (insulation between the inner and outer frames intended to break the path of heat flow). This occurs because the wood has far better insulating value than the metal, and in addition many historic windows have high ratios of wood to glass, thus reducing the area of highest heat transfer. One measure of heat transfer is the U-value, the number of Btu's per hour transferred through a square foot of material. When comparing thermal performance, the lower the U-value the better the performance. According to ASHRAE 1977 Fundamentals, the U-values for single glazed wooden windows range from 0.88 to 0.99. The addition of a storm window should reduce these figures to a range of 0.44 to 0.49. A non-thermal break, double-glazed metal window has a U-value of about 0.6.
Summary and References
Technical Preservation Services recommends the retention and repair of original windows whenever possible. We believe that the repair and weatherization of existing wooden windows is more practical than most people realize, and that many windows are unfortunately replaced because of a lack of awareness of techniques for evaluation, repair, and weatherization. Wooden windows which are repaired and properly maintained will have greatly extended service lives while contributing to the historic character of the building. Thus, an important element of a building's significance will have been preserved for the future.


text:
Requests from overseas customers started almost immediately after it became known in 1980 that President-elect Ronald Reagan adored the jelly beans made by the Herman Goelitz Candy Company. Jelly Belly® jelly beans were different from the standard penny store jellies, instead manufactured through a meticulous process, with intense and unusual flavors in the candy shell as well as inside of the bean, using natural ingredients for flavoring.
Today's Jelly Belly Candy Company, which produces 34 million pounds of jelly beans per year, in addition to assorted gummy, licorice, candy corn and chocolate candies, has its headquarters and largest production facility in Fairfield, CA. There is an additional U.S. plant in located in North Chicago, IL as well as a distribution center and warehouse in Pleasant Prairie, WI.
In 2006, Jelly Belly, a company producing candy that had become inexplicably linked to American patriotism, made an important decision. The company, which was struggling to produce enough jelly beans to satisfy U.S. demands as well as international ones, was ready to build internationally.
Making Jelly Belly BeansOn average, it takes 7–10 days to birth a jelly bean—but it can take up to 21 days to achieve perfection for some flavors. The production process involves four stages, plus packaging. Cooking stageKitchen: The center of the each jelly bean is mixed in a kettle. While still hot, the gooey mixture is colored and flavored. Molding stageMogul: The hot center mix is then individually dispensed by machine into tiny impressions in large trays. Dry Room: In their trays, the still-soft center mixtures are moved to drying rooms to cool off and become firm. Sanding: When firm, the centers are sent through a moisture steam bath before having sugar poured over them. They are then set aside for another 24–48 hours before getting their outer shells. Panning stagePanning: Jelly bean centers are heaped into a rotating metal drum, called an engrossing pan. As the beans tumble, the employees add four layers of flavored syrups and sugar, building shells around the centers over a two-hour period. Finishing stageFinishing: Jelly beans are then dropped into rotating stainless steel pans while having confectioners glaze poured over them. The beans rotation causes them to roll over one another, creating a high-gloss finish on each one. They are again set aside for another 24–48 hours. "The beans have to talk to us," says Rowland. Bean Printing: The beans are again placed in trays, then passed under a printing roller filled with food coloring. The roller prints the Jelly Belly name on each and every bean, even the white ones. |
Location, location, location
After careful consideration, Jelly Belly chose to build its 50,000 square foot plant in the free-trade zone in the Rayong Province of Thailand. Herman G. Rowland, Jr., a fifth-generation candymaker and current Managing Director of the Thailand Jelly Belly plant, recalls the decision:
"We spent a year looking around the world for the right location. At the suggestion of a friend, my father (Herman Rowland, Sr.) took a trip out to Thailand. When he returned, we knew we had found our location."
Three years ago, Rowland Jr., who was part of the team initially managing the Thailand building project from the U.S., made the decision to relocate to Thailand and manage the plant onsite.
Jelly Belly was careful to assure its customers that producing candy in Thailand would not impact North American distribution, manufacturing or jobs. Instead, the Thailand facility supplies customers in 43 countries outside the United States. The facility has helped Jelly Belly to better serve Europe and reach emerging growth markets in China, India and the Middle East.
In addition, the Thailand facility brought Jelly Belly closer to the ingredients it was sourcing, such as tapioca syrup, used for sweetening.
Customers initially were skeptical about jelly bean quality.
"Our customers were most worried about getting the same quality of candy as in the U.S. We had to assure them that Jelly Belly Thailand would have to pass the same standards as we have in U.S.," notes Rowland.
Just like in its U.S. facilities, if the candy produced in Thailand is not perfect, it is "belly flopped" or scrapped completely. Belly flops refer to jelly beans that are irregular shapes, sizes or colors but that taste as good as normal jelly beans. For more scientific results, the Thailand plant also has an onsite lab and performs extensive quality inspections of incoming raw materials.
Addressing challenges
The Thai factory, which first became operational in late October, 2008, was not immune to growing pains. Rowland notes initial struggles finding the right contractor for the job.
"We spent a significant amount of time searching for an overseas contractor. There was a lot of building going on in Thailand and they had a shortage of contractors. Our goal was to finish building in one year, but two years later, the facility was not complete."
Jelly Belly replaced the contractor and sent their own staff out to Thailand to oversee the final completion of the project.
In addition, the weather in Thailand is warmer and more humid than the U.S., making it extremely important to regulate the temperature and the humidity inside the plant, as well as during shipping. The Thai factory was designed with more insulation and different AC units than U.S. facilities to protect the beans from the climate.
"Due to the difference in climate, we very quickly discovered that the same formulas used in the U.S. were not yielding the same results," says Rowland. The recipes and process had to be altered slightly to produce identical jelly beans to those manufactured in the U.S.
In addition, international concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMO's) are much stronger than those in the U.S. International regulations are so strict that Jelly Belly Thailand sourced tapioca syrup as a key ingredient in order to avoid the possibility of genetically engineered corn altogether.
International assistance
According to plant personnel, the following equipment has played a significant role in the success of Jelly Belly's Thailand facility:
Jelly Belly's Thailand plant is located in a Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)-promoted industrial estate. The BOI, the principle government agency for encouraging investment in Thailand, aided Jelly Belly by offering tax incentives as well as helping the plant source local raw materials and hire local employees.
Since April 2007, the BOI has offered a series of investment privileges for confectionery manufacturers in order to stimulate Thailand's cane sugar production. Confectionery manufacturers who obtain BOI promotion also receive an exemption on machinery import duties. Jelly Belly shipped a lot of its plant equipment over to Thailand from the United States (see sidebar at right).
The future of Jelly Belly Thailand
Currently, the Thailand facility employs 90+ local employees (plus one Canadian, one American and one British employee), working five to six days per week. Plans are in the works to double the production facility's size in 2011, for a total of 99,000 square feet. While the plant did fall short of initial production goals during its first full year of operation, Rowland is confident the plant will hit its five million-pound goal in 2010. In addition, strict FDA regulations and permit requirements have previously prevented Jelly Belly Thailand from selling its products to the Thai population, but Rowland hopes to see sales in Thailand in the next month.
"Thailand has wonderful people and a great culture. We are looking forward to many more years in Thailand."


text:
Climate Change: How Can Wind Energy Help?
|Wind energy plays an important role in addressing climate change on a global level. Many countries around the world have been working hard to reduce their carbon emissions during the last decades. Some of the world's leading markets in the US, Denmark, Australia and the UK recognized the power of clean energy and electricity to reduce carbon pollution.
By increasing the proportion of electricity generated from wind energy we can lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Wind farms do not emit greenhouse gases when they generate electricity, in contrast to coal and gas stations. An additional negative side in relation to both coal and gas as sources of energy is the amount of wasted heat that cannot be easily transformed into electricity. Almost half of the energy used to produce electricity from gas and coal is lost during the production process, which is not the case with wind energy.
Wind Energy In Numbers
2015 brought good news for the wind sector and it seems like we will hear much more about this industry. Wind energy assured its place in the future as the inexpensive way of harvesting electrical power. As the emphasis on protecting the environment is growing, wind power is looking better as an option for a sustainable future.
2014 was an exceptional year for wind energy, but 2015 is bringing surprises in terms of leading markets. Data obtained by GreenMatch and the Global Wind Energy Council indicate that China will continue to lead the global market with a share of 40-45%. Additionally, new markets, particularly in Latin America and Africa, will emerge and Europe will continue its steady march towards its 2020 targets.
In terms of numbers and installed capacity, North America is always the hardest to predict. However, existing incentive arrangements and numerous projects planned for 2015 and 2016 in North America are good indicators that the upcoming period will most likely be good for the wind industry in this region. Although 80% of the existing wind power installations are situated in Republican congressional district, it remains the case that energy issues are ideologically positioned in Washington.
When it comes to the Pacific region, Australia is the only contributor to the region's wind energy production. Even though numbers are not reaching their highest potential, Australia's tremendous wind capacities indicate that this market will get stronger.
In the first quarter of 2015 following six countries had more than 10,000 MW of installed capacity including China with 114,609 MW, the US with 65,879 MW, Germany with 39,165 MW, Spain with 22,987 MW, India with 22,465 MW and the UK with 12,440 MW. Looking ahead, the picture is complex across various regions and the rest of 2015 is likely to be good period for wind energy.
Eyes on the Future
Considering all the benefits of wind energy, it is not surprising that it is a fast growing industry. Although initial costs of installation are high, scientists are constantly seeking for ways of reducing prices and developing new solutions. One of them is the usage of existing offshore oil platforms that are nearing the end of their useful life as an installation field.
Latest studies are showing high potential of new types of wind turbines, capable of harnessing stronger and more consistent winds, higher in the atmosphere. Even though these new models are in the testing phase, there are high potential and positive results associated with their development.
Initial costs of installations will most likely fall to compete with the affordable traditional energy sources, as gas, even in low-wind regions. According to the US Department of Energy, future plans are focused on reducing the prices of land-based wind energy down by 18% and the cost of offshore wind energy by 63% until 2020.
While electricity from onshore wind farms is already cheaper than conventional power in an increasing number of markets, relatively high costs remains the biggest challenge for offshore wind development. In today's rapidly shifting environmental and energy policy landscape, an important goal of the wind industry is to be pricing competitive with fossil fuels and affordable for not only commercial but domestic markets.
Author's Bio:
Anja Duric is communication specialist based in Denmark. She is freelance writer for web portals with sustainable values in its core and aim to help people understand the importance of switching to renewable energy sources.


text:
When development proposals are submitted to our department, we notify (by the U.S. Postal Service) property owners within a quarter-mile of upcoming hearings and, if the weather allows, place a large sign on the property. If you are interested in receiving email updates on different projects and proposals, please contact us and we can add your name and address to our email list. Also, if you are interested in serving on the Planning and Development Commission or Board of Adjustment, applications are always welcome.
Show All Answers
From variances to subdivisions, development requests follow different processes. The Planning and Development Department has developed a set of guides for each unique type of development request to provide an overview of the steps involved.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this link is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Story County and we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the the information, products, services, or related graphics contained within such link for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Story County Land Surveyors


text:
The Obama campaign unveiled its "Catholics for Obama" team for 2012 on Monday in an effort to burnish its credentials with a key voting bloc whose leaders have increasingly voiced their opposition to the administration over issues like gay marriage and abortion rights.
The roll-out had been months in the making and long expected, given the importance of the Catholic vote -- nearly one quarter of the electorate, concentrated in battleground states.
But it also comes on the heels of Mitt Romney's announcement Saturday that he was picking Paul Ryan, a Catholic known for budget-cutting ideas that have drawn fire from many Catholic leaders, as his running mate on the Republican presidential ticket. The various developments could make the debate over Catholic teachings on social justice and the common good an important subtext in the November election.
Obama's 21-member team includes a number of Catholics who are well-known to the public but not always welcome to the hierarchy, such as Victoria Reggie Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Edward Kennedy. Last May, a Catholic college in Massachusetts was told by the local bishop to bar Kennedy from delivering a commencement address.
Also on the committee are politicians like Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois and Gov. Martin O'Malley of Maryland, who pushed for that state's law legalizing gay marriage.
In addition, there are Catholic scholars and theologians: Sr. Jamie Phelps, director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans; Nicholas Cafardi, a canon and civil lawyer who teaches at the Duquesne Law School in Pittsburgh; Thomas Groome of Boston College, a theologian and popular writer on the church; and Stephen Schneck, director of the Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies at Catholic University of America.
"What's distinctive about Catholics and politics is our ancient idea of the common good," Schneck said. "We measure that by how the working class and poorest among us are doing. Government, for us Catholics, is obliged to be caring. It's obliged to serve and to help build the country as whole. President Obama 'gets' this at a deep level."
Schneck seemed to be taking aim at Rep. Ryan's controversial budget plan -- a focus of Democratic efforts since Ryan was named Saturday -- when he stressed that the GOP ticket "embraces policies that would decimate programs that serve the vulnerable and seniors while giving more tax cuts to the wealthy."
The announcement made no mention of the controversial birth control mandate for health insurers that has focused the bishops longstanding anger at Obama and turned them into one of his most vocal opponents.
So far, however, the hierarchy's efforts do not seem to have swayed Catholics, who often agree with the bishops on some issues but still tend to support Obama over Romney. And in October, just before the election, Obama is set to appear with Romney at a high-profile charity dinner hosted by New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan -- a platform some conservatives fear could give Obama a boost with Catholics. That has led to unusual criticism of Dolan from the right.
Obama's Catholic sponsors provide an interesting contrast to the "Catholics for Romney" team unveiled two weeks ago. The six national co-chairs are all former ambassadors to the Vatican.
Here are the "Catholics for Obama" national co-chairs:
Former State Rep. Polly Baca, Colorado
Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, Washington, D.C.
Rep. Xavier Becerra, California
Nicholas Cafardi, Pennsylvania
Former Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, Pennsylvania
Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, Connecticut
Sen. Dick Durbin, Illinois
Miguel Foster, Michigan
Thomas Groome, Massachusetts
Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Ohio
Victoria Reggie Kennedy, Massachusetts
Victoria Kovari, Michigan
Sr. Jamie Phelps, Louisiana
Gov. Martin O'Malley, Maryland
Former Rep. James Oberstar, Minnesota
Lawrence Parks, Washington, D.C.
Fred Rotondaro, Washington, D.C.
Rep. Tim Ryan, Ohio
Stephen Schneck, Washington, D.C.
John Sweeney, Maryland
Mark Tuohey, Washington, D.C.
The Obama campaign said state co-chairs will be announced in the coming weeks.


text:
Flu hotspots revealed: Map shows areas worst affected by flu as Aussie strain hits UK
The interactive map shows the areas with the worst outbreaks of the illness, according to users who upload reports themselves.
Updated every three minutes, the map shows all types of the flu bug, including the potentially deadly Aussie flu strain which has arrived in the UK.
The map indicates a gradient of no reports (blue) to 'very high reports' (red) of all types of flu as reported by users.
The data from the FluSurvey map is utilised by scientists at Public Health England and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
How does your area compare?
You can zoom in on your area by clicking here.
Public health officials have warned people who are eligible for a free flu vaccine to get it 'without delay'.
People should recover from normal flu within a week or so, although some symptoms like a cough can last longer. If you are still ill after seven days, it is a possible indication of a more serious illness.


text:
Kellogg launches new 'on-trend' frozen breakfast options
Under its Special K brand Kellogg has launched frozen flatbread breakfast sandwiches and waffles along with another waffle line targeting kids under the Eggo brand.
The sandwiches are already on sale nationwide and both waffle lines will be rolled out across retailers in the first quarter of the year.
"Kellogg Company continues to introduce delicious, on-trend frozen food options," it said.
Michael Allen, president of Kellogg frozen food, claims the company is a market leader in the segment because it has insight into consumer needs.
"Whether it is a mom looking for a tasty breakfast option for her kids, or someone seeking satisfying meals that meet specific nutrition goals, we understand what brings consumers to the frozen aisle," Allen said.
The rise of the frozen breakfast segment, especially the waffle
According to Mintel data, within the US breakfast foods category set to soar to $15.7bn by 2017, frozen waffles are the second leading product after pancakes from mix.
In its latest report, Mintel said these findings reveal that portability and convenience play an important role when selecting weekly breakfast items for consumers.
Earlier this year, gluten-free frozen breakfast food specialist Van's Natural Foods also launched new frozen waffles made from brown rice, millet, teff, buckwheat, amaranth, sorghum and quinoa.
Kellogg launches…
Under its Special K brand, Kellogg's new flatbread sandwiches come in three varieties – sausage, egg and cheese; ham, egg and Pepper Jack cheese; and egg with vegetables and Pepper Jack cheese.
The sandwiches have between 180-240 calories and are ready to microwave in 90 seconds.
"The sandwiches are another way Special K gives weight managers a delicious way to live a healthy lifestyle," Kellogg said.
The Special K waffles are berry red flavor, low in fat and high in fiber and build on the appeal of its red berry cereal, the company said.
The waffles launched under its Eggo come with topping packets in blueberry and strawberry flavor and contain 35% less sugar than traditional syrup.


text:
VANS - 12 Passenger Van
12 Passenger Van
Automatic Transmission Ford Transit Wagon (or similar)
- Cruise Control
- AM/FM Stereo Radio
- Automatic
- Air Conditioning
- Dual Climate Zone
- Gasoline Vehicle
- 2 Wheel Drive or 4 Wheel Drive
Other Details:
12 & 15 Passenger Vans
Renters of these vehicles must be 25 years of age or older. If the primary driver of this vehicle is 25 years of age or older, they must accept the terms and conditions below. The following terms apply to the rental of this type of vehicle, in addition to those set forth in the Rental Agreement. Please read before booking your rental.
- The van will not be operated or used in Canada.
- The van does not meet Federal Bus Safety Standards and will not be used to transport children in the twelfth (12th) grade or younger, other than family members, for school related functions.
Additional Terms & Conditions, if renting in California
- Each driver of the van shall possess the requisite driver's license necessary for the operation of the van dependent on usage and/or organizational status of the renting company.
- That if the van is to be used for transporting passengers for hire or profit, or by any nonprofit organization or group, all drivers of the van shall possess a valid class B license with a passenger transport endorsement.
- That if the van is used by any public or private school or school district (including any California community or state college), as governed by Section 39800.5 of the Education Code or Section 10326.1 of the Public Contract Code, all drivers of the van shall possess a valid class B license with a passenger transport endorsement.
Additional Terms and Conditions if renting in Rhode Island
- All renters and additional drivers must have liability insurance that transfers to a large passenger van.
- For a commercial auto policy the renter/driver must have minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 that transfers to a large passenger van.
Additional Terms and Conditions if renting in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Vermont
- All renters and additional drivers must have verifiable collision, comprehensive and liability insurance.
- Vans may not be used to transport non family members that are in the twelfth (12th) grade or younger.
- A major credit card is required for deposit to rent a 12/15 passenger van in New York, Vermont and Newark Airport.
- If renting in New Jersey, a major credit card may be required. Renters should contact the branch prior to making a reservation for payment requirements.


text:
"For the development of an understanding of the effects of intense ultraviolet light on biological materials, leading to an ability to 'photoetch' tissue surfaces precisely and safely, and for his role in developing applications to medicine in angioplasty, ophthalmology, and dermatology."
Background:Dr. Srinivasan obtained his B.Sc in Chemistry and his M.S. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Madras, India. He received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Southern California in 1956. After post-doctoral work at the California Institute of Technology and at the University of Rochester, he joined the IBM, T. J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, NY as a research staff member. He devoted the entire span of thirty years at the IBM Research Center to fundamental investigations on the action of ultraviolet photons from mercury lamps as well as excimer lasers on organic materials including small molecules, polymers and tissue. Since 1990 he has continued this work at his own company, UVTech Associates.
In addition to numerous awards received during his career at IBM, Dr. Srinivasan received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1965, the 1997 National Award for Creative Invention from the American Chemical Society, the G.H. Esselen Award for Chemistry in the Public Interest in 1997 and the 1997 Indian Scientist of the Year Award from the Association of Indians in the U.S.
John J. Hopfield (Chair), Steven J. Schiff, Seiji Ogawa ('96 Recipient), Edgidijus E. Uzgiris (Vice Chair), Lee C. Makowski


text:
SRD:Epic Psionic Focus
From D&D Wiki
This material is published under the OGL 1.0a. |
Epic Psionic Focus [Epic][Psionic]
You can expend your psionic focus to greater effect.
Character level 21st, ability to manifest powers of the normal maximum power level in at least one psionic class.
When you expend your psionic focus, you can simultaneously use two feats that require a psionic focus to be expended, instead of just one. The feats must be stackable. You must still spend the requisite power points required to use each metapsionic feat, and you cannot exceed the power point limit set by your manifester level.
You can take this feat multiple times. Each time you do so, you can simultaneously use one additional feat that requires a psionic focus to be expended.
Back to Main Page → 3.5e Open Game Content → System Reference Document→ Feats


text:
Interestingly, Young's literal translation on this page: http://biblehub.com/judges/14-5.htm calls the lion 'a whelp'. Not so courageous then. 'History' is not to be trusted.
And Samson goeth down -- also his father and his mother, to Timnath, and they come unto the vineyards of Timnath, and lo, a lion's whelp roareth at meeting him,


text:
Much-maligned Liverpool FC forward Iago Aspas scored his first goal for the club to help them into the fourth round of the FA Cup - but it was far from an easy 2-0 victory over Oldham.
The 26-year-old summer signing from Celta Vigo has endured a difficult start to his Anfield career and never looked comfortable in the Premier League.
Wearing the number nine shirt for Liverpool FC carries significant history and expectation considering the greats who have graced it in the past.
But Iago Aspas was handed the responsibility of leading the line with 20-goal striker Luis Suarez rested and he eventually delivered with a decent strike 10 minutes after half-time.
James Tarkowski's late own goal, diverting in Raheem Sterling's shot, gave Liverpool FC the cushion they needed - especially as they were down to 10 men after Daniel Agger was forced off injured with three substitutions already made.
There was to be no fairytale repeat of Oldham's fourth-round victory over the Reds last January, and Liverpool can now look forward to a trip to either Bournemouth or Burton Albion.
The accusation levelled at Liverpool is they are a one-man team - and that man was on the bench as the Reds toiled with little impact in a first half which did even less to warm the majority of the 44,102 crowd inside an icy Anfield.
Assistant manager Colin Pascoe, at Friday's pre-match press conference, said Suarez would have kicked either him or manager Brendan Rodgers had they suggested dropping him.
But rest him they did and the only kicking the Uruguay international did for 76 minutes was his heels on the bench.
What he saw, the first half in particular, would have frustrated him as much as everyone else.
With six changes from the New Year's Day win over Hull it was perhaps not surprising it took a while for the home side to develop any sort of control or rhythm.
Fringe players Aspas and Luis Alberto, both summer signings, were given rare starts but both failed to take their opportunity against a side 19th in League One.
Only three of the starting XI - goalkeeper Brad Jones, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling - experienced the 3-2 humbling at Boundary Park just over a year ago.
While Oldham were the aggressors on that day, they arrived at Anfield with a slightly less positive game plan, initially looking to contain.
That plan worked longer that they probably hoped for as Liverpool looked toothless for 45 minutes.
Alberto had a promising half, drifting one shot wide from Victor Moses' lay-off and having another batted away by goalkeeper Mark Oxley.
Sterling was less effective, which was all the more infuriating for Liverpool considering the majority of their limited opportunities fell to him.
Steven Gerrard's position as a deep-lying midfielder denied the home side an attacking thrust going forward despite Henderson's best efforts, and so the introduction of Lucas Leiva for Alberto at half-time provided a welcome release for the captain.
Immediately Liverpool seemed to find another gear, also helped by the introduction of Philippe Coutinho for the ineffective Moses, and within 10 minutes they had broken the deadlock.
Sterling finally found an end product worthy of the name and Aspas produced a finish of which Suarez would have been proud, hooking home the cross right-footed.
If ever a player needed a boost it was the Spaniard, whose start to his Liverpool FC career has been disappointing to say the least with a lengthy lay-off with a thigh injury not helping.
It was as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders and it was something of a surprise to see the previously lightweight forward jump highest in the penalty area to head Sterling's next cross against the post.
There was no time for Liverpool to rest on their laurels, however, as Danny Philliskirk fired just over from distance to serve warning a one-goal lead may not be enough.
More danger was averted by Jones when Michael Petrasso swerved past Agger, who was left tracking thin air, but fired straight at the goalkeeper.
Rodgers had seen enough and replaced Gerrard with Suarez to really give Oldham something to think about.
But it was Sterling who made the final telling intervention, with his shot turned in by the unfortunate Tarkowski with eight minutes to go.
Rodgers even got the chance to enjoy the sight of his son Anton playing at Anfield, albeit for the visitors as he was given a late run-out by Oldham boss Lee Johnson.


text:
In this episode, in preparation for the 11th anniversary podcast tomorrow I answer a two part question: How do I think today's podcast landscape is better or worse than the early days? and What is one defunct podcast from those early days that I really miss?
Here is the direct MP3 download for the Evil Genius Chronicles podcast, Aug 19 2015
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Support this show on Patreon
- Georgia Popplewell at Global Voices
- Look and See, Gordon Smith's photo blog
- Auphonic podcast production tool is so good!
- Dog Days of Podcasting
NewSponsor: Audible.com! Go to audiblepodcast.com/egc for your free trial and free download!- Hover.com
is nowwas our sponsor: (Still) Use coupon code EGC to save 10% on domain registrations - Theme song provided by the Gentle Readers
- My Google+
You can subscribe to this podcast feed via RSS. To sponsor the show, contact BackBeat Media. Don't forget, you can fly your EGC flag by buying the stuff package. This show as a whole is Creative Commons licensed Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported. Bandwidth for this episode is provided by Cachefly.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download


text:
How would you describe your decorations?
I was talking with my mum about christmas decorations and hers are very modern and non traditional, she does not like father christmas so she has no pictures of him no models etc in the house....its all snow flakes/white and more what i would call winter wonderland style.
My b/f mum is very traditional and has no lights on her tree just older baubles and older decorations around the house.
I think mine are a mix of the two. which do you think feels more christmassy?


text:
10 Outfits That Would Look Ridiculous On Anyone But An Idol
1. This red skort
Technically, this is only half a skort. From the front it looks like a regular mini-skirt, but from the side…
…not so much. It's as if the stylist ran out of fabric while sewing the outfit and just left it that way. No big deal, though. Red Velvet looks fantastic in anything. They can even pull off a mini fanny pack!
2. This mix-and-match outfit
J-Hope's Love Yourself: Answer concept clothes look amazing on him, but the average person would definitely struggle to pull off this outfit. Since this look is a jumbled mix of just about everything, your friends and family might ask you if these clothes were all you had left after throwing everything else in the wash.
3. This old man aesthetic
SHINee's Key has always been ahead of the fashion game, but his style isn't for everyone.
On Key, this plaid blazer and vintage glasses combo looks retro-chic, but anyone else might be accused of raiding their grandfather's closet.
4. This street-smart get-up
Korean media outlets once named WINNER's Seunghoon as the most fashionable male idol, due to his chic street fashion. Seunghoon loves layering plaids, but if anyone else wore this outfit they might be mistaken for being…
5. This pink accessory
BLACKPINK's Jisoo is a goddess. Mere mortals won't question her (or her stylists') fashion choices no matter how outlandish they are, because Jisoo always looks stunning.
Anyone else, however, should be prepared to answer the question, "why are you wearing a leg brace?".
6. This black ensemble
Youngjae looks mysterious in this head-to-toe black outfit, but anyone else might want to avoid wearing the same thing to the airport. If you or I tried to catch a flight while dressed as an anime supervillain, someone might call security.
7. These confused pants
TWICE Tzuyu's bell bottoms can't seem to decide if they wanted to be pants or a skirt, so they settled for something in between. These bottoms emphasize Tzuyu's long legs and draw attention to her high heels.
These pants aren't the most difficult item on this list for the average person to wear, but unless you're as long-legged and coordinated as Tzuyu is, you may end up tripping over these floppy hems.
8. This severed shirt
Male crop tops may be all the rage, but this one is pushing it. SHINee's Taemin looks like a supermodel in just about anything, but even he struggled to make this outfit work. Rule of thumb: if Taemin can't pull it off, no one can.
9. This redundant outfit
(G)I-DLE Soojin's rainbow knit top is bright enough to get anyone's attention, yet the stylists decided to take it a step further by pairing it with a skirt that has the names of the colours (blue, yellow, turquoise) written along the hem. Unless you are a primary school teacher giving a lesson on colours, this outfit might be overkill!
10. Anything G-Dragon has ever worn
BIGBANG's leader is also leading K-Pop's fashion scene. G-Dragon has never shied away from wearing the most outrageous outfits he can get his hands on.
It takes a great deal of confidence and swagger to go out in public dressed like this…
…so if you're planning to dress like G-Dragon, be prepared for stares!


text:
Let me clarify a bit: how much should I expect to spend on food per day in Belgium if I am eating out nearly every meal? Does it vary by city? If so, how does Brussels compare? How about the French speaking part of the country?
I have done some research on my own, and found that the cost of living is quite high, but this refers to renting an apartment, taxes, etc. There was no mention of the price of restaurants or local food as it compares to, say, a large US city (not NYC), which is my reference point.